Australia to Filter Online Games

Australia’s federal government plans to begin filtering online games that do not meet the MA15+ standard in terms of the amount of violence and sexual content.  Since they are the only developed nation without an R18+ classification for games, this could mean that Australians won’t have access to popular titles like Grand Theft Auto IV, Silent Hill: Homecoming and Fallout 3 unless, of course, they modify the game to meet the MA15+ guidelines.  

If you’re a MMOGs like World of Warcraft don’t worry – these games have been exempt from the classification (so far).  Already, nine internet service providers have started testing the filter and a report on the results is due sometime in July.

Colin Jacobs of Electronic Frontiers Australia said: "This is confirmation that the scope of the mandatory censorship scheme will keep on creeping.  Far from being the ultimate weapon against child abuse, it now will officially censor content deemed too controversial for a 15-year-old. In a free country like ours, do we really need the government to step in and save us from racy web games?"

How do you feel about the government getting involved in what games you are allowed to play?  I’m not sure I like it because, once this begins, where will it end?  Will they start banning miniskirts and music?

image: IGN